What is ozone effective against in water treatment?

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent used extensively in water treatment due to its broad spectrum of effectiveness against various contaminants. When it comes to microbial pathogens, ozone demonstrates exceptional capabilities in inactivating amoebic cysts, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Its oxidizing properties disrupt the cell walls and membranes of these microorganisms, effectively neutralizing them and ensuring that drinking water is safe for human consumption.

The specific effectiveness of ozone against a wide range of pathogens is one of the key reasons it is preferred in many water treatment processes. Unlike some treatments that might focus on only specific types of bacteria or pathogens, ozone's action is comprehensive, which makes it a crucial component in ensuring thorough disinfection in water supply systems.

Other contaminants, such as heavy metals and mineral impurities, require different treatment processes. While ozone can help in some aspects of water quality improvement, its primary strength lies in its role in addressing microbial contaminants, thus highlighting why it is most effective against amoebic cysts, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.